Melia

Family. Meliaceae.

Origin. Asia, Australia.

Description. Melia is a large, fast-growing, branched, deciduous tree or shrub. The leaves are arranged alternately, large – up to 40 cm long, complex – consisting of several pairs of simple oblong-lanceolate leaflets. The leaf blades are 2–7 cm long and have small denticles along the edge. The inflorescences are large, branched panicles consisting of many small lilac or pink flowers that appear at the tops of the branches. Each flower has 5 long petals and has a very pleasant sweet smell. After flowering, round yellow fruits are formed, which decorate the plant for a long time. In autumn the leaves turn yellow and fall off.

Height. In nature it reaches 45 m in height. In indoor culture, height is regulated by pruning.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

In spring and summer the bush can be kept at normal room temperature, in autumn the temperature is lowered to 5 - 7 °C - the plant should rest before the next season. It tolerates short-term frosts if it is in dry soil.

Lighting

A brightly lit place with lots of reflected sunlight. Direct exposure to the sun is permissible in the morning or evening hours. During the winter months, the foliage falls and the plant no longer needs good lighting.

Care

Trim long shoots after flowering to maintain a compact shape. Remove old and diseased branches.

Substrate

Nutritious soil with good drainage and a high content of organic matter in the form of leaf humus, peat and well-rotted manure. 

Feeding

From the beginning of growth until the end of summer, feed the melia with complex fertilizers every 2 weeks.

Purpose

A very elegant, beautifully flowering plant for winter gardens and greenhouses.

Flowering time

Spring. 

Air humidity

Spray the foliage if the indoor air becomes too dry.

Soil moisture

During the growth period, water regularly, making sure that moisture does not stagnate in the soil. In autumn, the frequency of watering is reduced and in winter they simply protect the soil from completely drying out. 

Transfer

Young bushes are replanted in spring, annually into larger pots. Adult specimens have impressive dimensions, and their top layer of soil 5-7 cm thick is replaced with fresh soil every year.

Reproduction

Seeds that are sown in spring in moist soil. The planting material remains viable for up to two years.

Note

All parts of the bush are very poisonous - wash your hands thoroughly after handling the plant or use protective gloves. Keep the melia out of reach of children and pets.